Helping you learn harmony and melody
Migldi Magldi
Migldi Magldi is a song that mimics a blacksmith at work in their smithy on a cold winter’s day. Migldi Magldi is probably best known these days thanks to Cerys Matthews, though the song has history dating back much farther.
Passed by ear through singing
It likely dates back to the 19th century, though some parts of the song could be even older.
The rhythm and rhyme of Migldi Magldi help to teach harmony, and can also be called a “call and response” melody; harmony is vital for both instrumentalists working together and singers as part of a choir.
The words “migldi magldi” do not have a direct translation into English — they’re part of a phrase used for rhythm and fun, like saying “la la la” in a song. The rest of the lyrics tell a story, often involving a blacksmith or tailor, his or her work, and funny little situations. Migldi Magldi is great for sing-alongs and performances.
Migldi Magldi Lyrics
English
Fine and pleasant is seeing,
migldi magldi hey no no.
The door of the smithy open,
migldi magldi hey no no.
The blacksmith’s face blackened,
migldi magldi hey no no.
In the smithy busy blowing,
migldi magldi hey no no.
Fine and lovely is the sounds of the bellows,
migldi magldi hey no no.
Listening to tale, song and verse,
migldi magldi hey no no.
When the company is in full swing,
migldi magldi hey no no.
There are stories many evenings,
migldi magldi hey no no.
When the sea comes to the mountain,
migldi magldi hey no no.
With it’s two sides together,
migldi magldi hey no no.
And the rose bushes growing apples,
migldi magldi hey no no.
This is when you may have me,
migldi magldi hey no no.
Welsh
Ffeind a difyr ydyw gweled,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Drws yr efail yn agored,
migldi magldi hei no no.
A’r go bach a’i wyneb purddu,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Yn yr efail yn prysur chwythu,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Ffeind a braf yw swn y fegin,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Gwrando chwedl, cân ac englyn,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Pan fo’r cwmni yn ei afiaith,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Ceir hanesion llawer noswaith,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Pan ddaw’r mor i ben y mynydd,
migldi magldi hei no no.
A’i ddwy ymyl at ei gilydd,
migldi magldi hei no no.
A’r coed rhosys yn dwyn ‘falau,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Dyna’r pryd y cei di finnau,
migldi magldi hei no no.
Migldi Magldi Resources
The most well-known version talks about a tailor sewing trousers and things going wrong in silly ways, like the trousers falling down! It’s a great example of how traditional Welsh songs mix humour with music to bring story and joy to everyday life.
Resources related to Migldi Magldi
Resources
